O.C. gun show 'feeding frenzy' amid fears of a ban

Jan. 26, 2013

Updated Aug. 21, 2013 1:17 p.m.

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Tom Ford of La Habra was at the Crossroads of the West gunshow to sell two antique guns including a WWII Japanese 6.5. "People should come out and buy more guns and ammo while we're still a free country," he said. MINDY SCHAUER, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Brett Barbour came from the Inland Empire to attend the Crossroads of the West Gun Show with his children Leah, 3, and Logan, 6. The wait to get in was so long he ended up going home. The biggest crowd in 25 years of the show -- more than 20,000 people -- was expected this weekend. MINDY SCHAUER, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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A woman came prepared for the rain but perhaps not the long wait, with some predicting a more than two hour wait to get into the Crossroads of the West Gun Show in Costa Mesa Saturday. MINDY SCHAUER, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Chris Avventino of Corona wears a pro-gun message on his shirt as he waits in line to get into the Crossroads of the West Gun Show. The show was expecting its largest crowd in 25 years as people fear new laws restricting sales. MINDY SCHAUER, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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The line to get into the Crossroads of the West Gun Show in Costa Mesa was estimated by some to be two hours long. It snaked through the parking lot at the OC Fair and Event Center before entering the gates. MINDY SCHAUER, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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The National Rifle Association was recruiting new members outside the Crossroads of the West Gun Show in Costa Mesa Saturday. MINDY SCHAUER, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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A man close to the front of the line at the Crossroads of the West Gun Show in Costa Mesa carries a message for all to see Saturday. MINDY SCHAUER, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Tom Ford of La Habra was at the Crossroads of the West gunshow to sell two antique guns including a WWII Japanese 6.5. "People should come out and buy more guns and ammo while we're still a free country," he said.MINDY SCHAUER, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

By the numbers

60: Number of gun shows Crossroads of the West puts on each year nationwide.

4: Number of hours hundreds waited in line to get in the gate Saturday morning.

19,000: Number of people who came to the Crossroads of the West Gun Show in Phoenix last weekend.

5: Number of semis that brought in ammo for sale at the show.

COSTA MESA – President Obama's tougher stance on gun laws and Congressional Democrats' latest move to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines brought thousands to the Crossroads of the West Gun Show at the Orange County Fair & Events Center on Saturday.

Before the gates opened, lines snaked into the parking lot. Ammunition was in high demand and many had to wait three or four hours to get it.

Everyone knew the difference between the pre-Newtown and post-Newtown price, said J.R. Casillas, a salesman with National Surplus, selling gun magazines and accessories at the show.

"We've tried to keep the prices reasonable, but it's hard because of the way the market is right now," he said. "The demand for these products is extremely high. From what we've seen, prices on assault rifle magazines are up by at least 40 percent."

Jim Wright, a salesman at Surefire Manufacturing, said he sold out of 1,000 rounds of ammunition 10 minutes after doors opened.

"It's so difficult to keep up with the demand that we've started taking orders," he said. "At this time, it's challenging to even get the parts to make the bullets. This is like a feeding frenzy."

Bob Templeton, owner of the Crossroads of the West Gun Shows, said the two largest ammunition dealers at the show unloaded five semi-trailer loads of ammo Saturday morning at the fairgrounds.

"We do see (after the Connecticut shootings) that people are turning up in large numbers to buy ammo that is not available in stores," he said. "Everyone who comes here should be able to leave with some ammunition."

As a result, he expects that more than 25,000 people through the weekend, and it could well be the largest show he has ever had, Templeton said. Last weekend, about 19,000 came to the Crossroads of the West Gun Show in Phoenix, he said.

This year, the Orange County show has additional security. It is also patrolled by undercover federal agents, who make sure laws are followed, Templeton said.

"Also, no one walks out of here with a gun," he said. "You have to go through background checks and a 10-day waiting period before you can buy a gun."

The gun show does not allow loaded guns inside. Any gun that is to be taken through the gate must be checked and disabled with a plastic tie.

Many at the gun show wore T-shirts to express their feelings on the issue. One man wore a shirt with the word "Obamunism" on it with Obama portrayed as Chairman Mao. One other T-shirt read: Got guns? Yet another man wore a shirt that bore the words: "Tyranny Response Team."

The volume of the political debate has been turned up, and people are hearing it, said Anthony Cavanna of Long Beach.

"In my opinion, the guns will be in the hands of the wrong people if these laws pass," he said. "Who's going to protect the good guys? Taking the guns away from the good guys is not the answer."

Cavanna said the crowds have increased exponentially in this year's show because people are scared that their rights and their guns will be taken away from them.

"Last year, I was able to get a ticket and walk in the gate," he said. "The gun I bought last year for $1,050 is priced today at $3,500."

In the halls where the products were being sold, there were breaks when all of the fairgoers stopped to say the pledge of allegiance to the flag. People cheered loudly afterward.

Lake Forest resident Merry Axelrod said she believes "everyone should be able to keep and bear arms."

Congressional Democrats headed by Sen. Dianne Feinstein D-Calif., have unveiled legislation to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines such as those used in the Newtown, Conn., massacre. Feinstein's legislation comes a week after President Obama unveiled a package of gun-control measures.

Feinstein's legislation covers rifles, pistols and handguns with one of any military-style features, such as a detachable stock, pistol grips or grenade launchers. It also bans 157 specific firearms, while excluding 2,258 hunting and sporting rifles and shotguns. The legislation also would ban magazines that accept more than 10 rounds.

The Orange County Fair Board has not taken a position on gun shows and has never considered not allowing it, said member Nick Berardino.

"The fairgrounds is state property owned by all taxpayers," he said. "We have not had problems with this show in all these years. My opinion is that the show should continue with the appropriate amount of security."

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